Learning objectives
To illustrate the radiological findings in near drowning.
To evaluate complications and evolution.
Background
Drowning is a suffocation by summersion [1],
especially in water; it is an important cause of death and morbidity,
especially in young age and is usual much higher in males than in females.
In Italy,
from 1969 to 1997 the mortality dropped from 1200 to 500 cases/year,
and mortality rates decreased in all the age subgroups,
but particularly in that of young people; this analysis indicates that some general factors have played an important role,
like a better education and information,
a greater surveillance by...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Near- drowning is an emergency: an accurate,
rapid assessment is fundamental,
and chest X- ray is supportive in distinguish patients with or without evidence of aspiration and allows to evaluate therapy response and possible complications.
CT can be helpful in near- drowning associated to trauma,
especially in suspicion of spinal chord injury,
and in unexpected deterioration of victim condition.
Stage 1 is characterized by perihilar alveolar consolidations,
Kerley lines and peribronchial thickening; these findings are transient and usually disappear in 24- 48 hours.
Apices,
bases...
Conclusion
Near- drowning diagnosis is based on anamnestic history,
but chest X- ray gives information about pulmonary involvment and is an useful tool in monitoring therapy response.
CT is supportive in trauma associated to near- drowning and in ARDS and pneumonia evaluation.
References
1] Immersion,
near-drowning and drowning.
Golden FS,
Tipton MJ,
Scott RC.
Br J Anaesth.
1997 Aug;79(2):214-25.
Review
2] [Accidents in recreational waters].
Giustini M,
Ade P,
Taggi F,
Funari E.
Ann Ist Super Sanita.
2003;39(1):69-76
3] Clinical and Radiologic Features of Pulmonary Edema;
T.
Gluecker et al.,
November 1999 RadioGraphics,
19,
1507-1531.
4] Pneumonia associated with near-drowning.
Ender PT,
Dolan MJ.
Clin Infect Dis.
1997 Oct;25(4):896-907.
Review.
5] Aspiration Diseases: Findings,
Pitfalls,
and Differential Diagnosis1;
Tomás Franquet,
MD,
Ana Giménez,
MD,
Nuria Rosón,
MD,
Sofía...